Miracles of Christ. This study tells about belief and faith. Although the Scripture reading from Mark tells how Jesus walks on water, it explains much more about our lives.
And, it shows how far we are willing to go to believe in Jesus to let Him work within us.
When reading Scripture, you’ll discover incidents all throughout the Bible where miracles of God happen.
Two of the most intriguing are:
- Jesus feeds 5,000 people
- and this one where He walks on water to help the disciples believe.
These lessons are not meant for just another story to read. Ultimately, the Bible helps us know that Christ is with us when we face difficulty in life.
Miracles of Christ – Jesus Walks on Water
Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away.
After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray.
When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land.
Seeing them straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, at about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them.
But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified.
But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.”
Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened. – Mark 6:45-52 NASB
Belief and Faith – The Disciples Still Do Not Truly Believe in Jesus
Do you believe that Jesus walked on the water? How about the feeding of the 5,000 people?
These miracles of the Bible can be difficult for us to comprehend but they happened.
Why shouldn’t Christ be able to perform these miracles?
The Disciples
In this lesson from Mark, the disciples saw these things with their own eyes. But, they still could not believe that Christ was the Son of God.
When researching this, I found three possible reasons for their doubts.
1- Belief (or lack of it) – The Son of God?
The disciples did not make the connection between the miracles and the fact that Jesus was human just like them.
How could He possibly do these things? No human could!
2- Belief – Not Good Enough?
Why would the Messiah, who had been foretold for generations before them, choose ordinary fishermen, craftsmen and sinners to follow Him and become disciples?
This is not consistent with the awesome ability of God in their eyes. It was beyond them and too good to be true.
Another question, Why does God choose us to follow Him?
3- Faith
Taking the next step of total faith was something the disciples were unwilling or unable to do.
They witnessed the miracles. And, they knew that Jesus had protected them many times before.
But, they still did not completely understand why Jesus came.
So, lack of understanding sometimes is accompanied by a lack of faith.
Jesus Came to Them – And He Comes to Us
We have read about the many miracles of Christ throughout Scripture.
And, we know the end of the story; that Jesus went to the cross to die for us, and rose on the third day.
Yet, many times we still have a lack of faith that He can come and work in our lives; just as He did in the lives of His disciples.
Christ Loved Them – He Loves Us
Jesus cared deeply for His disciples.
So many times He uttered the words; “… do not be afraid.” and helped them with their situation. But, He cares just as much for us too!
So, the next time we find ourselves in an overwhelming situation, remember that Jesus is there to calm our fears and to hold our hands through it all.
Let’s hand over our worries, fears and frustrations to Christ.
Just as He walked on the water in order to help His disciples in their time of trouble, He can help us too!
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to learn more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read the John 3:16 verse.